HC Deb 01 April 1993 vol 222 cc362-3W
Mr. Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children suffered a reaction to the HIB meningitis vaccine in the latest year for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Sackville

Since 1 October 1992, when Haemophilus Influenzae b (HiB) vaccine was introduced in the United Kingdom, more than 4 million doses have been distributed.

So far, 807 reports of adverse events have been submitted under the yellow card scheme to the Committee on Safety of Medicines—a rate of 20 per 100,000 doses, which is similar to those routinely reported after immunization with other childhood vaccines. As most HiB immunisations have been given at the same time as either diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis or measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, reactions other than those at the actual injection-site could not with certainty be associated with the HiB immunisation.

Reports of adverse events after HiB immunisation are being kept under careful scrutiny.